(Untitled)

[queenofmay]

Marian has been outside for a long while now. The cloak around her shoulders is thick and long, rippling in the strong gusts of sharp winter wind. It doesn't seem to be effecting her expression as she watches the lake, where the Hope is still frozen

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[ikissdhimbck]

Kate's been quiet of late. Winter always does that to her. Too many memories, too much cold sinking through her desert skin.

She's just taking Beaut for an easy walk around the lake path, duster pulled tight around her and hat down snug on her head.

Beneath the wide brim she sees that cloak dancing, and she looks up.

"Evenin'."

[queenofmay]

Even if she hasn't been here in sometime, certain things never become quite completely normal. There's a flash of fond affection to the curve of her smile just for the hat, but here eyes soften for the horse, itself, even when her gaze barely lingers, politely focusing on the woman.

"To you, as well." Beat. "Your horse is quite beautiful."

Could be politeness, but it's, also, quite professionally true. Even if personally with only one glance she knows it is not one of the horses that was here when Caspian was Stablemaster.

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate's features warm as well. The surest way to get her to soften is to compliment her horse.

"Much obliged. She's friendly, too, so I hope y'don't mind."

Almost on cue, Beaut stretches her neck out to nuzzle at the folds of Marian's cloak, hunting for any forgotten sweets.

[queenofmay]

Marian raised her hands, as she wrinkled her nose, laughing even as she pulled away from the ruffle of her cloak against her skin, even through layers of cloak and dress. Fingers finding the muzzle gently, as she smiled. "I haven't any apples today, but fair eve, to you, too."

Even the very cut of a lady, there's ease there. Love and respect as she regarded the horse. Deadly creatures, but not to be shirked back from. Not by the girl who rode hard through Sherwood all her life.

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate dismounts, gathering up leather reins in matching gloves. Her cheeks are pink and her lips are chapped, but she smiles freely all the same.

She can tell, both by looks and manner, that Marian is a lady of good breeding. So she doesn't simply tip her hat, she curtsies.

"She doesn't want for much," she says in her soft Southern twang, pulling a few sugar cubes from her pocket. "But she does like t'put on a show of it."

While Beaut lips up the sugar, Kate offers her free hand.

"Ms. Kate Barlow."

[queenofmay]

Marian regarded the hand for a moment. The way it is sideways, not the clasp of fingers to be curled upward or downward like gentility, ladies of gathering. But that of an equal here. It's only a seconds glance though, before Marian raised a hand to shake.

"Lady Marian--" Easy, and true, if not completely smooth. It is not the sort of thing she ever does back home. And there is the slightest distraction of following up her words. No longer Knighton. (So long ago Ravenskeep.) "--of Nottingham."

[ikissdhimbck]

It's hard, in a place like Milliways, knowing what manner of greeting is most comfortable for those you meet. She doesn't look lost, not new to the place certainly, but perhaps too refined to have been here very long.

Kate smiles easily, and then falters just a touch.

"Of Nottingham?"

Recognition dawns in her eyes.

[queenofmay]

"The very same," Marian said, acknowledging as she pulled her hands back to curl along the sides of her cloak. It's not winter when she is right now, but she is accustom to cold ones.

[ikissdhimbck]

"I have a dear friend from those haunts."

Her smile is measured, and small.

"Will Scarlet? It's been some time since I've seen 'im, but I believe he may've mentioned your name before."

[queenofmay]

"Different worlds," Marian amended, soft but sure. There is not even slight bite to the words. "But I would be not be surprised to hear it. Will is a dear friend of mine, as well, no matter the world or contradiction of Milliways."

There was a beat, with a slightly warmer smile. "I am pleased to make the acquaintance of anyone in his esteem."

[ikissdhimbck]

She nods slowly.

"Yes, I recall that now. One'a the curiosities of the bar."

Her lips pull into a crooked line. She's had her share of mixed-up worlds and timelines, both for the good and the bad.

"The pleasure's all mine. I have a great deal of respect for Will, an' anyone he calls friend is a friend of mine. Have you been comin' here very long?"

[queenofmay]

Marian pulled her cloak back on the left side, to show off the glint of metal. Light catching the silver, like a dagger even now. But not a weapon, a security badge. The light her eyes is clear and direct, there is no waver or change.

It's not like the first few minutes are a ruse before this. It is simply another part of her. At least here, it is. "Near as I can count it, both a year and half and, also, near four, maybe, almost five now."

[ikissdhimbck]

Her gaze alights upon the badge, and she laughs. The sound is light and lilting, like the chatter of songbirds on a clear morning.

"Guess that about answers my question."

She tips her hat back, showing more of those clear blue eyes.

"My friend Miss X does an awful good job of keepin' me outta trouble, but it's a shame she's so practiced at it. Maybe you an' I might've crossed paths sooner. I've been comin' here more'n three years now myself; I co-manage the stables."

[queenofmay]

There's a flicker in her expression. Maybe. Maybe if she hadn't been standing out here, staring at The Hope. Then it wouldn't have wrinkled across her entire face first, right after the words. But she has been, standing here, staring at The Hope, which can only make her think of two men.

But one of them best and first, always. And to have the last mention come hard on that? Too close. Too. And it does show. But she only chooses to nod. "Now that is new. Who do you manage with?"

[ikissdhimbck]

Kate sees it, and schools her expression.

"Ah, Doc Scurlock."

Her voice grows quieter, more reserved. A somber moment passes between them - Beaut, oblivious to it, resumes her search, pawing at the ground.

"I'm sorry if I upset you. Promise I'm not as big a troublemaker as all that."

[queenofmay]

"No, forgive me. It was not you." Marian shook her head, drawing her arms back against her chest, even with her fingers curled on the edge of the fabric. The back of wrist resting against the bump where a lion rampant sits in thick gold. "I knew one of your predecessors very well."